Cinematographers Bible - 6 Rules Every DP Should Know

GEAR LIST

0:00 Opener
0:33 Tip 1: Movement Should be Motivated
1:30 Tip 2: Study the Image Not The Gear
2:29 Tip 3: Get The Counter
2:59 Sponsor: Storyblocks
4:42 Tip 4: The Gear
6:05 Tip 5: Visual Language Camera Angles
7:02 Tip 6: One Light

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[petertoth]

As a cinematographer, I really don't like most of these kinds of videos on youtube. Usually everyone tells the same stuf over and over, and it's not even true, but the young starter filmmakers get trapped in them, and keep wanting to buy more lights, optics, and cameras, instead of trying to really understand the story, and the best way to tell it. I was pleasantly suprised by your video, it's good to see that not all of "filmmaker youtube" is the same. You told the right things, that are actually useful and worth investigating, and most importantly you communicated the right mindset. This is what the young filmmakers need. Thank you. :)

[lawrenceclemens]

I was on a shoot for a short with a director who had just 3 lights bought from home depot. It was amazing the quality lighting this guy got... and then he'd play around with it in after effects (which he had total mastery) and I was knocked out by the look of the finished film. This director has done two features, won multiple Emmys, and won over 30 international film festival awards for his shorts. And here he was working with just 3 lights and doing such fantastic work. You are absolutely right in this video.

[bernios]

"The person talking is only half as important as the person listening" - Excellent advice - As an analogy in photography: I discovered that once in the Louvre museum in Paris. Instead of doing my obligatory "Mona Lisa" tourist snapshot (it is under reflecting glass, and quite small) I took a photo of the frantic crowd trying to catch a good perspective on that world famous piece of art, holding their mobile phone high above etc - that was one of my best Paris photos....

[LOMISFILM]

Now this is how you make a rules/tips video. Not at all preachy; straight to the meat; real-world, easy to understand knowledge without fluff, and most importantly...zero ego. Well done sir. You've got yourself a new fan.
🙌

[chrisevans]

Even though this video is 1 years old, it is far more informative, interesting, and well thought out as what I have seen in a class...well done Mark! Thank you for sharing...

[seecraig]

On reaction shots especially when you're solo, I've found in a pinch it might be the best time to use your smartphone's camera, especially given the quality of the cameras (and even the codecs in some cases). Sometimes you can grab that steller but fleeting reaction that just can't ever be recreated. For the doc filmmaker always remember you have a second camera in your pocket. 🎥

[nate_thenotso_great]

I will be watching this again and again! Simple. Relatable. Impactful. 📷

[alexanderdowney]

Awesome content Mark, I bought your AOD course about a year ago, and thought it was amazing. I'm just finalizing the contract on a $40k documentary project series, with ongoing films. I'm in talks with two other documentary clients as well, and I used all your techniques in the course to pitch the deals. I've pitched a lot of NO's too, but having a system for the pitch helps keep the process on track for me, and it's less intimidating every time. My treatments get better every time, and I enjoy making them. My footage, and most importantly, my story telling skill has DRASTICALLY improved as well. I binge watch the whole course before every pitch the night before, and pitch with a confidence I wouldn't otherwise have. It's opening me up to larger more lucrative projects, thanks! 🎥

[svencarlsson]

Entertaining, packed with wisdom - and no fluff. That's a miracle in the YouTube world.

[elijah.marchand]

You summed up many of my core beliefs. I like your style and I think you have some amazing work!

[martinorozcoph]

This video is pure gold. Thanks Mark!!!

[understandingcinema]

I just recently shot a feature film as the DP where we had like 15-20 lights available but only ended up using like 4 the entire shoot because it was all equipment that I have spent years working with. We had some very expensive lights but only really ended up using mostly a couple panels and some bigger soft lights. We ended up getting so many beautiful shots everyday because my crew and I knew exactly how to use the smaller and less expensive lights to their maximum potential. The best point you made in the video is studying the image and not the gear. I've shot tiny 1 minute shorts in my house to test my skills using only 1 cheap LED panel from like Neewer and just practical lamps and stuff and have created better images than some movies I've seen. Any aspiring filmmaker should be totally inspired and motivated because you truly don't need crazy gear to make something amazing, just passion and practice. I've learned that first hand and constantly see it implemented on feature film sets now.

[marvinsirvania]

I love this channel and making movies. Thanks for the tips.

[peterlyonsphoto]

Super helpful… saving this one to watch again! Going to keep a few notes from this to prompt me on my next project.

[Glennematic]

Thanks for the video! Love the humor and pace.

[BrandonWeiss]

Mark Bone always coming in clutch with the quality, fluff-free content. AOD is top of my list when I next have time for continuing education things!

[christopherriggs]

I really appreciate your clarity and your desire to share your hard-earned knowledge. I'm an older guy nearing retirement and looking for a way of developing my decades-long photography and writing career. You have been very helpful in my exploration. God bless you and yours!

[thefakesplendorpodcast]

Fantastic channel with great information. Thank you Mark!

[Illuminati]

I am an amateur videographer who's only goal is to have fun. You are saying all the things I needed to hear, not because I didn't know them, but because I needed a professional to confirm that my own approach to filmmaking isn't wrong. Especially the gear part, nice to hear that I'm not only one using only the essentials when it comes to shooting.

[davidkuria]

Thank you for the help! I enjoyed it and will use the tips in my next project 🎥📸🎦